‘A flat dorian’ is the 2nd mode of the Gb major scale. The notes in Ab dorian are:
Ab – Bb – Cb – Db – Eb – F – Gb
If you have read the post on understanding the dorian mode, you will know that the dorian mode contains a flat 3 and a flat 7 (parallel approach). You will also know that it is the 2nd mode of a major scale (derivative approach). Let’s briefly look at how to construct Ab dorian using both the parallel approach and the derivative approach.
A Flat Aeolian Mode Using The Parallel Approach
Ab major has the following notes:
Ab – Bb – C – Db – Eb – F – G
If we flatten the 3rd note (C) and the 7th note (G) we get the following:
Ab – Bb – Cb – Db – Eb – F – Gb
A Flat Dorian Mode Using The Derivative Approach
Ab is the 2nd note of the Gb major scale:
Gb – Ab – Bb – Cb – Db – Eb – F
If we play a Gb major scale and start on the 2nd note we get the following:
Ab – Bb – Cb – Db – Eb – F – Gb
Let’s look at the Ab dorian mode in the different positions on the guitar fretboard.
Ab Dorian in the Open Position
Firstly, let’s look at Ab dorian in the open position:
Ab Dorian CAGED Positions
Now let’s look at Ab dorian in the 5 different CAGED positions along the fretboard.
A Flat Dorian in the 1st Position (Lowest Fret is 1)
A Flat Dorian in the 2nd Position (Lowest Fret is 2)
A Flat Dorian in the 6th Position (Lowest Fret is 6)
A Flat Dorian in the 7th Position (Lowest Fret is 7)
A Flat Dorian in the 10th Position (Lowest Fret is 10)
That covers the 5 basic positions and the open position of Ab dorian along the guitar fretboard. For an in depth explanation of the dorian mode, check out dorian mode explained.
Further Reading
- Abm chord (Ab Dorian works well over this chord)
- Abm7 chord (Ab Dorian works well over this chord)
- Gb Major scale (Ab Dorian is the second mode of the Gb Major scale)
